Bhutan Tourism Policy

When opening Bhutan to tourists in the 1970s, Bhutan recognized the negative impact of unregulated tourism on the culture and environment of some of its neighbors.  The government chose a policy of “Low Volume, High Value Tourism” by imposing a daily tourism tax and requiring all visitors to travel with a Bhutan travel operator.  The number of visitors to Bhutan is not restricted but the higher daily costs may exclude budget travelers.

Pricing

The Bhutan Department of Tourism determines the price for all tourists in Bhutan.  This fixed price covers all the expenses for hotels, camping facilities during treks, transportation, meals, entrance fees, guide services and the government royalty fees of $65 US per day.   When you book directly with Village Tours and Treks you do not have to pay any additional commission to a non-Bhutanese travel agent.  The fixed hotel price is for simple clean and comfortable hotels on a twin sharing basis; all hotels have electricity and showers with warm water.  Five star luxury upgrades are available in Paro, Thiumphu, and Punaka at an additional cost.

The price depends upon the number of people in a group and the season.  The peak season is from September through June and only the months of July and August are off season.  You can visit Bhutan any time of the year to tour.  The summer months are warmer with some monsoon rains typically in the late afternoon and evening hours.   Due to winter snows and summer rains, trekking is best during the spring and fall months.

Peak Season Rates Per Person


 
US $200 per day
Group of three or more people
 
US $230 per day
For two people
 
US $240 per day
For one person

Off Season Rates Per Person - June, July and August

 
US $165 per day
Group of three or more people
 
US $195 per day
For two people
 
US $205 per day
For one person

The government does not charge a royalty fee for children under the age of six; expenses for food and bedding will be charged. Children from six through twelve accompanied by their parents or guardians receive a 50% discount on the daily rates.

Tour Payment

When booking any vacation to Bhutan, you deposit the payment directly to the Bhutan’s Department of Tourism in the name of your tour operator.  The Department of Tourism distributes your funds only after your trip in Bhutan is completed, ensuring the financial safety of the money you deposited.

Once you have selected your itinerary, we will send you detailed routing instructions for a wire transfer to Bhutan’s account in New Jersey.

Refunds

The Department of Tourism fixes the following guidelines for refunds:

 
Days Prior to Trip
Refund Amount
 
30
100%
 
21
90%
 
14
85%
 
7
70%
 
0-6
50%
 
in Bhutan
0%

No charges occur for weather delays disrupting flights or creating road blocks if traveling from India.        

Visa

Visas are not issued by international Bhutan embassies.  Village Tours and Treks will arrange the visa for you.

Getting to Bhutan

Most tourists choose to fly into Bhutan’s only airport in Paro.  Druk Air, the national airline, is the only airline offering service to Bhutan through Bangkok, Thailand; Delhi and Kolkata in India, Kathmandu in Nepal, and Dhaka in Bangladesh.  We will arrange and purchase your Druk Airline ticket for you. We recommend flying through Bangkok as Thailand does not require an advance Visa from many countries including the US, and has very comfortable hotels located very close to the airport.  The Druk Air flight and your connecting flights are not included in the daily tour cost.